Recursive method and system for accessing classification information

ABSTRACT

A web based method and system that allows the users such as buyers and sellers to locate, purchase, and sell goods, items and services through instant notification. A method and system can include the steps of requesting at least one of an unlisted product, unlisted item and unlisted service from the online web based system. Next the online web based system can provide for matching the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service when the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service is listed with the online web based system. Next the method and system can provide for notifying by generating an instant notification from the online web based system to a portable wireless device, when at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, has been matched with the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service on the online web based system. The user can use a portable wireless device such as a laptop computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and a pager. The instant notification can be generated to the portable wireless device through at least one of an e-mail, a text message a voice message, an image message and a page.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/911,713 filed Jun. 6, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,483,787,which is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/025,940 filed Feb. 11, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,468,060, which is aDivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/157,825 filed Jun. 13,2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,890,382, which is a Divisional Application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/755,442 filed Jan. 5, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,389,252, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/174,785 filed Jan. 6, 2000. Theentire disclosure of each of the applications listed in this paragraphare incorporated herein by specific reference thereto.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to online classification of goods and services,and in particular to methods and systems of using an advertising servicethat concentrates on customer needs in both perishable and nonperishable goods and services worldwide. This system mimics humanintelligence for the intuitive orderly classification of those goods andservices that are to be retrieved by others.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Advertisements for products and services has been used effectively inthe print media over many years and with the advent of the worldwideweb, businesses and individuals have a worldwide forum to advertise anyof their products and services. However, using the web has addedadditional problems for buyer and seller users. For example, it is acommon problem for users to waste valuable hours fumbling their waythrough various confusing web pages with distracting graphics whiletrying to locate specific advertised products and services. Often peoplehave enlisted the use of complicated search engines that query otherdatabases to aid in their searches. As sellers, the users endureclassified advertising web sites that require excessive typing duringthe ad placements. As buyers, the users have great difficulty bothaccessing the site and finding the desired goods and services. Theresult is that clumsy forms and the lack of logical page progressionstifle web users from reaching their end results.

Current web site designers are still receiving and presenting data as ifthey are publishing a standard classified magazine. When dealing withthis data from a customers point of view, it involves a complicated nonintuitive method of search for data retrieval and placement.

Various businesses are known to list advertisements for goods andservices. For example, Traderonline.com, Yahoo!—Classifieds,Websbestclassified.com, #1 Classified—Boconline.com, Aircraft ShopperOnline (ASO)—aso.solid.com. Trade-A-Plane—tradeaplane.com, Autoweb.com,AAAClassifieds.com, TheAdNet.com, ep.com and cars.com, are some of themore well known web businesses. However, as described below, these websites have many problems.

Traderonline.com takes a long time to download because of their use ofgraphics. During a car search, when you click on makes, it gives you alist of makes, then models to choose from. After you've selected a makeand model, it lists all makes of cars, not just the one you originallyselected. When placing an ad, one must go through many pages of forms.Yahoo!—Classifieds mixes different types of vehicles together. Planesare mixed in with boats, and motorcycles are mixed with cars, and thesite is complicated when used by sellers to submit an ad.

Websbestclassified.com is a messy and confusing site that is no betterthan those previously described. The site called #1Classified-Boconline.com lists ads by state and doesn't have a columnfor prices. Products are mixed together. For example, boats are notbroken down into various types and are mixed together. Aircraft ShopperOnline (ASO)—aso.solid.com is a complicated and confusing site withcrowded homepage, and uses a map of the United States and the rest ofthe world to locate positions and is not easy to navigate.

Trade-A-Plane—tradeaplane.com charges to view the adds and uses smallhard to read print, and lists a large crowded selection list on theirhomepage, and requires multiple click throughs to access information.Autoweb.com requires the user to repeatedly enter information on variousweb pages, and uses hard to read small print. AAAClassifieds—AAAClassifieds.com requires searching by alphabeticalidentifiers and requires the user to read through wordy explanations.

TheAdNet.com requires users to fill out search forms to view ads, andrequires input of pricing information. Ep.com does not break downcategories to be specific enough and is hard to view the small print.Cars.com requires the user to enter multiple data items, requiresseveral clicks on each web page, and is also hard to read because of theuse of small print. This site does not subcategorize the maincategories.

Various types of patents have been proposed over the years. See forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,940 to Dworkin; U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,731 toLalonde et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,434 to Kremen et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,724,521 to Dedrick; U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,882 to Bixler et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 5,774,873 to Berent et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,639 to Greef etal.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,670 to Trader et al. However, none of thesepatents resolves the problems identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the subject invention is to provide an onlineweb based classification system that allows users, referred to as buyersand sellers, to logically click through a series of descriptive textmenus to locate or advertise products, items and/or services havingspecific characteristics.

The secondary objective of the subject invention is to provide an onlineweb based classification system that allows buyers and sellers tologically click through a series of descriptive text menus to advertiseor request makes, items and services having specific characteristicsassociated with their choice of a specific category.

The third objective of the subject invention is to provide an online webbased classification system that is user friendly by reducing thechances for error by not requiring the user to provide text input forthe navigation of the site. This reduces the number of click throughsneeded on our system to locate the proper make, item or service.

The fourth objective of the subject invention is to provide an onlineweb based classification system that eliminates the need for separateuser dependent search queries such as Boolean searches. Thus,eliminating non-uniform search results that occur with search queries.

The fifth objective of the subject invention is to provide an onlineclassification system that allows prospective sellers an error freemethod to place an ad using the exact same process that a buyer uses tofind the specific ad placed.

The sixth objective of the subject invention is to provide an onlineclassification system that has the capability of expanding and reducingthe number of categories, sub-categories, types, sub-types, makes,models, and the like, via user interaction. For example, where the userbeing a seller of goods and services is allowed to expand at least oneof a category, sub-category, type, sub-type, make or model.

The seventh objective of the subject invention is to provide an onlineclassification system that allows prospective buyers to be instantlynotified upon placement of new advertisements applicable to theirrequested goods and/or services, based upon criteria such as the maximumprice willing to pay, location of goods or services, descriptioninformation, and other contact information the buyer allows to bepublic. Requested goods or services can also be referred to as a wantedlist or bid list.

The eighth objective of the subject invention is to provide a sellerwith a method of viewing the wanted or bid list requests that whereplaced within the instant notification database. This allows the sellerto immediately contact a prospective buyer of a properly categorizedmake, item or service prior to the placement of an ad.

The ninth objective of the subject invention is to allow users once theyreach the end of series of descriptive text menus, to filter and sortthe categorized information when viewing the list of ads at the end ofmake, item, or service selection. If the given subject returns more thanthe desired amount of data then the user has the option to sort by cost,location, year and date the ad was placed. There are options to limitthe selections by a single keyword, zip code, country, province, andphone area code.

The tenth objective is to educate the layperson buyer and/or seller withrespect to the product and service classifications used byprofessionals.

The eleventh objective of the subject invention is to provide the userwith a site that leads the user to the requested information instead ofa user having to use search queries to access information on the site.

The twelfth objective of the subject invention is to provide an onlineclassification system that can be used with various data such as but notlimited to goods, services, course listings, genetic mapping, anyinformation having an orderly classification of objects and the like.

The invention is a software program that allows multiple categories ofunlike objects or information to be located by users. The user logicallyclicks through a series of descriptive text menus to locate or advertiseproducts, items and services having explicit characteristics. Theprocess enabled by the software program, known as a “fluidity oftaxonomy”, accomplishes this by leading the user through a series ofintuitive prompts.

The invention employs a computer, which is linked to a structureddatabase and a server. This database is accessible through conventionalcomputers, laptops, cellular phones and Personal Digital Assistantdevices (P.D.A.) that have Internet access. The database can be locatedin the memory of the central computer, or distributed throughout anetwork via mirrored and load balanced server arrays.

In using the invention, there is a buyer side and a seller side. In thefirst step, as a buyer the user is given multiple descriptive categoriesto choose from. The user directs the system to the exact categorydesired by selecting an appropriate category from the main menu using amouse or user enabled voice recognition. In the second step the systemprompts the user to choose between three choices: “makes,” “items” or“service” directly related to the previous category selected. If theuser chooses “makes,” the system displays another menu listing the validtypes. At this point, if there is no more declassification stored in thedatabase for the type selected, any ads of this type are displayed in alist. Otherwise, prompted by the users previous choice, the user is thenshown another menu listing the valid subtypes. In this series ofexamples, the classification continues for two more levels, known as“make” and “model”. Up to this point the user has provided no textinput, but has simply traversed to the desired point by using a seriesof menu prompts.

At this point, the user has two ad viewing options. The first option isby scrolling down the ad list, for example 100 ads at a time and thesecond option is displaying the list filtered and sorted bypre-specified criteria. At the lowest level of “click down,” the userhas eliminated all irrelevant ads, and is presented with ads that meetthe most specific classification of their choice.

If the buyer is unable to locate the desired item or service, the userhas the option to select the instant notification feature, described ina subsequent section.

If the user chooses to scroll down the ad/information list, they alsohave the ability to sort the displayed information, 100 entries at atime. For example, in the case of automobiles, the list could be sortedby year, make, model, price, color, miles, hours of use or details. Newads placed within for example the last 8 hours are identified by aunique color. If the user is interested in a particular ad, the user canclick on a line item to view details of the ad information. This allowsfor efficient browsing of information by saving download time whichlends itself to access by wireless and P.D.A. devices.

If the user chooses the second option, the filtered search option, byclicking on a button located on the buyers side ad view level or lowestclick down level, a form is displayed that gives the user the option toselect from a set of predefined sort algorithms with options. Thefiltering options can include up to three area codes, up to three zipcodes, up to three states, one country, or one province. The ads can besorted by the age of the ads, relating to make and model (oldest tonewest or newest to oldest), maximum price willing to pay, mileage orhours and color preference. Upon submission of the form, the programwill then display the results of the users requests for that specificcriteria. The final ad results are displayed, up to 100 at a time by thecriteria the user picked at the lowest level of click down or by a prearranged default thereby eliminating human error.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromthe following detailed description of a presently preferred embodimentwhich is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a system block diagram of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a buyer navigating through the novel inventionwebsite.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a seller navigating through the novel inventionwebsite.

FIG. 4 shows a basic taxonomy structure of accessing classificationinformation using menu pages of category, subcategory, types, subtype,makes, and model.

FIG. 5 shows a Buyer main menu page embodiment of the invention withmain category headings.

FIG. 6 shows a Seller main menu page embodiment of the invention withmain category headings.

FIG. 7 shows a second menu page having first subcategory headings of theembodiment of FIG. 5 for picking the automobile category.

FIG. 8 shows a third menu page having type headings based on FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 shows a fifth menu page having make headings based on FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 shows a sixth menu page having model headings based on FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 shows a seventh page of the final ad list based on FIG. 5.

FIG. 13 shows an eighth page of how user can sort the ad list of FIG.12.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show menu page embodiments of using the instantnotification feature of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows an ad form page a seller completes after passing through asimilar series of pages as those shown by FIGS. 6 through 11.

FIG. 17 shows a Buyer main menu page embodiment of the invention withmain category headings for picking the agricultural category.

FIG. 18 shows a second menu page having first subcategory headings ofthe embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a third menu page having type headings based on FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on FIG.17.

FIG. 21 shows a fifth menu page having origination(from) headings basedon FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 shows a sixth menu page having destination(to) headings based onFIG. 17.

FIG. 23 shows a seventh page of the final ad list based on FIG. 17.

FIG. 24 shows a detail description of ad of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 shows an eighth page of how user can sort the ad list of FIG.24, similar FIG. 13.

FIG. 26 shows a second menu page having first subcategory headings ofthe embodiment of FIG. 6 for picking the boats category.

FIG. 27 shows a third menu page having type headings based on selectingMakes in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based onselecting Powerboats, 43-53 feet in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 shows a fifth menu page having make headings based on selectingMotor Yacht in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 shows a sixth page form based on selecting CREATE OTHER in FIG.29 for having a Seller submit an Ad that does not have a make heading inFIG. 29.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention indetail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the particular arrangement shown since theinvention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

The invention can be implemented in a distributed network architectureof servers, connected to the worldwide web. The software structure ofthe invention allows the system flexibility to distribute the computerprocessing and databases to multiple servers in order to facilitatespeed and reliability of the site. This design also takes advantage ofweb caching, data replication, to different geographic regions, in orderto avoid Internet communication bottlenecks. A system block diagramusing the invention is shown in FIG. 1, wherein computer users usingwired or wireless communications can access the software program via theworld wide web. The information that describes the classification of themakes, items, and services, the active ads, the active notificationrequests and client information, is stored in the data stores shown onthe left. The SQL (Structured Query Language) servers main function isto retrieve the information from the data stores. The Web server(s) thenuse the information retrieved via the SQL servers to create and send theweb pages to the users via the worldwide web.

The invention will now be described in reference to the followingcategories:

I Database Design II Navigation III Client Administration IV InstantNotification V Customized Ad Presentation VI Banner Ad Placement VIIDetailed Description of Embodiments

I Database Design:

The database design of the invention is divided into two majorcomponents. The first component is a spreadsheet-like formatted table.This database is used as the main data source for program logic thattransforms the database into the second component, a node-basedstructure that leads to the generation of a series of web server pages.Theoretically, the spreadsheet table can have an infinite number of rowsand columns, but for the purposes of this description, the table isdescribed with eight rows and six columns.

While the descriptions used to describe the database architecture arespecific to one application, the design is flexible enough to allow usein a broad range of environments. By simply changing the data content,an open-ended solution exists to categorize nearly any group of datainto a logical path to a given end point. In our examples, the end pointis an advertisement or a buyer notification that an advertisement wasplaced, but it could just as easily refer to a catalog ordering systemor catalog order notification system, or many other systems that requirethe storage and retrieval of an organized set of data classification.

I(a) Spreadsheet Table Structure

The classification of different types of goods and services requires aprocess to handle unlike and non-sequential items, which are containedin the database. The algorithm used in the invention introduces theconcept of a Control ID that identifies the sequence in which the unlikeitems should be displayed, and how they are treated through the variouslevels of the menu system. The Control ID is a binary numberrepresenting the possible combinations of goods and services that aredescribed using Type, Sub-Type, Make and Model.

The Control ID is used to identify the next step of processing of thedynamically created menu lists as the user “drills down”, or clicksthrough the menu system. The processing, described in sections thatfollow, involves program logic that allows the database content to beexpanded both vertically (rows) or horizontally (columns) at variouspoints, and to prompt the user with input forms once the end of the“drill-down” has been reached. An example of the spreadsheet databaseused to describes goods, is shown below in TABLE 1.

TABLE 1 CONTROL ITEM TYPE SUB-TYPE MAKE MODEL ID Item-1 Type 1 Item-2Type Sub-Type 2 Item-3 Type MAKE 3 Item-4 Type MODEL 4 Item-5 Type MAKEMODEL 5 Item-6 Type Sub-Type MAKE 6 Item-7 Type Sub-Type MODEL 7 Item-8Type Sub-Type MAKE MODEL 8

Given the control ID, one can then determine exactly which fieldscontain data and which fields will be NULL. This allows a grouping to bebuilt, and displayed in a consistent and controlled manner for unlikegoods. Additionally, by the specific formatting of the data, the programlogic can be selected when it is appropriate for rows to be added (newmakes or models, for example) as well as new columns (furtherclassification of items such as the introduction of models for aspecific make).

Applying this principle, we discuss the process of generating menu-basedweb pages that lead the user through any combination of classificationsand end up at a final destination for final processing. The Control IDallows the user to see the data represented as follows, where → is usedto indicate user selection via mouse click, or other computer-pointingdevice(s) such as voice recognition.

ITEM-1→Type-1→Form processing for Item 1

ITEM-2→Type-2→Sub-Type-2→Form processing for Item 2

ITEM-3→Type-3→MAKE-3→Form processing for Item 3

ITEM-4→Type-4→MODEL 4→Form processing for Item 4

ITEM-5→Type-5→MAKE-5→MODEL-5→Form processing for Item 5

ITEM-6→Type-6→Sub-Type-6→MAKE 6→Form processing for Item 6

ITEM-7→Type-7→SubType-7→MODEL 7→Form processing for Item 7

ITEM-8→Type-8→Sub-Type 4→MAKE→MODEL→Form processing for Item 8

I(b) Node-Based Structure

The node-based database in the invention is automatically generated fromthe spreadsheet table. Users providing further classification of theitems in the database subsequently expand the node structure. Thedatabase is used to control the navigation process up, down and acrossthe taxonomy of information.

The organization of nodes to form a path to the end point object can bedescribed by a series of tiers, which logically structure the data. Thefirst tier is the parent node that consists of the main classificationof objects. Some examples of a first tier node might include ‘Aircraft’,‘Boats’, ‘Cars’, etc. Each of first tier nodes contains objects that canfall into distinct second tier categories.

The second tier nodes link the first tier to the third and allsubsequent tiers by describing the categories of objects that arerelated to the first tier. Examples of a second tier node might includethe categories of ‘Makes’, ‘Items’, and ‘Services’. This node forms the‘nodetype’ identifier that determines which node table that should beaccessed during navigation of the database.

The third and subsequent tiers sub classifies the parent object intofurther descriptive elements. Examples include ‘4×4 Extended Cab’,‘Gas’, or ‘Diesel’ which might be used to describe a type of first tier‘Makes’ node named ‘Pickup Truck’.

Every node contains a unique node identifier, a node type identifier,and a reference to its parent node in addition to a node nameidentifier. All identifier fields are numerical indexed fields thatallow for the fastest possible access to the data. The node path is thenumerical accumulation of node identifiers that make up the combinationof descriptive phrases that are selected by clicking on a series of‘Hyperlinks’ to find the end point object.

The node path can be reverse traversed via each nodes parent identifier.The node identifier field of the final node in the path is the only datathat is needed to be stored with each individual ad placed in thedatabase.

By the same token, this node identifier is used when a Buyer whom isseeking to find a particular make, item, or service associated with anygiven category places a request for notification. The node identifier isa single point of reference that contains enough information toestablish its point of origin and all elements in between.

The nodenames table contains a single point of reference to every uniquecategorical name used in the navigation of the database. For example,while the name ‘Cessna’ may appear in many node path combinations, itstext is only stored in a single table entry in the database table and isreferenced by its numerical identifier to make access to the data quickand efficient.

A single Advertisement table houses the details of the end point object.This table contains the information that is ultimately being searched.The use of the database with a web site that integrates the needs ofBuyers and Sellers is described in reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

II Node Navigation

The goods or information that is offered is located by navigating aseries of ‘hyperlinks’ that take the end user to his/her desiredselection in an orderly fashion. ‘Hyperlinks’ are simply words or groupsof words that can be selected by mouse clicked, voice recognition orother pointing device inside a web browser. The ‘hyperlinks’ take theuser to a more specific level of relevance associated with the word orgroups of words.

FIG. 2 shows a navigation flow chart for the buyer. FIG. 3 shows anavigation flow chart for a seller. The core processing of both thebuyer and seller navigation flow is a similar recursive process. Therecursive process searches the database to determine the next list of‘hyperlinks’ to be built based on the previous series of menuselections. The following flow diagrams and block descriptionsillustrate the core recursive process and processing that is specific tothe buyer and seller navigation.

A buyer navigating through the website will now be described inreference to FIG. 2.

First Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 2:

-   (1) Buyer enters the site—    -   In block 1, the buyer enters the site using a browser that views        web documents, such as an Internet web browser or Internet        capable cell phone etc.-   (2) Is this the first pass?—    -   Block 2 enters a recursive process that asks the question        whether or not to create the main menu [categories] for buyer.-   (3) (Yes to block 2) Get the items to be displayed in the main menu—    -   Block 3 retrieves the main menu items [categories] from the        database to build the main page.-   (4) Build hyperlinks¹ to second pass—    -   Block 4 creates all the hyperlinks for the main page. The main        page is split into a header, body, and footer.    -   HEADER: The header is a fixed section with no scroll bar and        contains the logo for the corporate site as well as other site        related hyperlinks [to seller page, to corporate information        etc.].    -   BODY: The body contains dynamic information, such as hyperlinks        to the next group [menu] of information to be displayed. These        links are considered the main/parent category objects.-   (5) Display main menu—    -   In block 5, the main page is displayed which contains the        main/parent category hyperlinks in the body.-   (6) Does Buyer want to login or submit an Ad?—    -   Block 6 asks if the user clicked on the hyperlink that takes the        buyer to the seller page.-   (7) (Yes to block 6) Go to Seller Processing—    -   Block 7 leaves buyer processing and goes to seller processing        [Block 30 in FIG. 3]-   (8) (No to block 6) Did the buyer click on a hyperlink?—    -   Block 8 asks if the user clicked on any of the main/parent        category hyperlinks.

If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 2].

Second Pass Leg Offlow in FIG. 2:

-   (9) (No to block 2) Is this the second pass?    -   Block 9 asks the question whether or not to create the        sub-category menu selections for the buyer.-   (10) (Yes to block 9) Get the items to be displayed in the second    pass—    -   Specifically the second pass consists of the makes, items, and        services subcategories.-   (11) Build the hyperlinks to the next pass—    -   Block 11 creates the hyperlinks for the sub-category menu items.        The hyperlinks contain information that results from the user's        main menu selection.-   (12) Display the list of second pass items    -   Block 12 displays the sub-category menu in the body of the page.-   (13) Does Buyer want to login or submit an Ad?—    -   Block 6 asks if the user clicked on the hyperlink that takes the        buyer to the seller page. If so, the buyer leaves buyer        processing and enters seller processing [Block 7 and into FIG.        3].-   (14) (No to block 13) Did buyer click on a hyperlink?    -   Block 14 asks the question if the user clicked on a sub-category        menu item. If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 2].        Next Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 2:-   (15) (No to block 9) Get the children—    -   Using the information gained from previous menu selections the        database is interrogated to build a record set of children [next        menu items] belonging to the previous menu selection [parent].-   (16) Were there any children found?    -   Does the database contain any children of the previous menu        selection [parent]. If the database query resulted in children        [menu items] found that belonged to the previous menu selection        [parent] then the YES branch is taken, otherwise NO is taken.-   (17) (Yes to block 16) Add to the list and create hyperlink for each    child for each of the children found in the previous step a    hyperlink is created with information about the child and the    parent.-   (18) Display the list—    -   Block 18 presents the menu list based on the previous series of        menu selections.-   (19) Did buyer click on a hyperlink?    -   Block 19 asks the question if the user clicked on a menu item.        If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 2].        Ads Leg of Flow in FIG. 2:-   (20) (No to block 16) Does the parent have Ads?    -   Block 20 interrogates the Ad database to create a record set of        Ads belonging to the last menu selection [parent] of a menu        selection series.-   (21) (Yes to block 20) Display Ad List    -   Block 21 builds and provides the buyer with a list of Ads based        on the user's series of menu selections-   (22) Does Buyer want to be notified?    -   Block 22 asks if the user clicked on the hyperlink requesting        Instant notification [buyer to be notified] when a new Ad is        placed in this list.-   (23) (No to block 22) Buyer can view Ad details    -   in block 23 the buyer is viewing the Ads for the user's series        of menu selections.-   (24) Done Viewing?    -   Block 24 asks if the buyer is done viewing the Ads. If not, the        buyer continues to view Ads. If done, return to the recursive        process starting at the main menu [Block 2]-   (25) (Yes to block 22) Is Buyer registered for instant notification?    -   In block 25, go to the database to determine if the user has        registered to use the instant notification feature.-   (26) (Yes to block 25) Store an entry for this selection in database    for this    -   Buyer—    -   An entry in the database is created that indicates that this        buyer is to be notified when an Ad is added to the current Ad        list.-   (27) (No to block 25) Request user's name and password and enter in    database—    -   Present the user with a form to enter name and password. The        buyer enters the information and goes to Block 26.-   (28) (No to block 20) Display sorry no Ads found    -   in block 28 the buyer is informed that there were no Ads found.-   (29) Does Buyer want to login or submit an Ad?—    Block 29 asks if the user clicked on the hyperlink that takes the    buyer to the seller page. If so, the buyer leaves buyer processing    and enters seller processing [Block 7 and into FIG. 3]. If not,    enter the recursive process starting at the main menu [Block 2].

FIG. 3 shows a navigation flow chart for a seller, and will now bedescribed.

First Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 3:

-   (30) Seller requests login from Buyers page    -   Entry point into Seller page processing-   (31) Display login dialog    -   Present the user with a dialog box to enter user name and        password-   (32) Seller's name and password entered?    -   Waiting for user to enter login information-   (33) (Yes to block 32) Does name and password exist in database?    -   Interrogate database to determine if user's information matches        the databases information for the user. If so, enter the        recursive process starting at the main menu [Block 34].        Otherwise, present user with the dialog box to enter user name        and password [Block 31].-   (34) (Yes to block 33) Is this the first pass?    -   Same as Block 2 in buyer processing of FIG. 2 [except for seller        here].-   (35) (Yes to block 34) Get the items to be displayed in the main    menu—    -   Same as Block 3 in buyer processing of FIG. 2 [except for seller        here].-   (36) Build hyperlinks to second pass—    -   Same as Block 4 in buyer processing of FIG. 2 [except for seller        here].-   (37) Display main menu—    -   Same as Block 5 in buyer processing of FIG. 2 [except for seller        here].-   (38) Did the seller click on a hyperlink?    -   Same as Block 8 in buyer processing in FIG. 2 [except for        seller]. If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 34].        Second Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 3:-   (39) (No to block 34) Is this the second pass?    -   Same as Block 9 in buyer processing in FIG. 2 [except for seller        here].-   (40) (Yes to block 39) Get the items to be displayed in the second    pass—    -   Same as Block 10 in buyer processing in FIG. 2 [except for        seller here].-   (41) Build the hyperlinks to the next pass—    -   Same as Block 11 in buyer processing in FIG. 2.-   (42) Display the list of second pass items—    -   Same as Block 12 in buyer processing in FIG. 2.-   (43) Did seller click on a hyperlink?    -   Same as Block 14 in buyer processing in FIG. 2.    -   If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 34].        Next Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 3:-   (44) (No of block 39) Get the children of the current pass—    -   Same as Block 15 in buyer processing in FIG. 2.-   (45) Were there any children found?    -   Same as Block 16 in buyer processing in FIG. 2.-   (46) (Yes to block 45) Add to the list and create hyperlink for each    child—    -   Same as Block 17 in buyer processing in FIG. 2. Except for        seller processing—    -   Set flag if any of the children indicate [based on Control id        assigned] that the parent can create more children.-   (47) Do we allow the parent to create more children?    -   Block 47 checks the flag to determine if the parent is allowed        to create more children. If not, display the list [Block 49].-   (48) (Yes to block 47) Adds ‘Create New Item [other]’ to the list—    -   Add a hyperlink to the existing list for the menu selection        called ‘Create Other’. Go Display the list [Block 49].-   (49) Display the list—    -   Same as Block 18 in buyer processing.-   (50) Did the seller click on a hyperlink?    -   Block 50 asks the question if the user clicked on a menu item.-   (51) (Yes to block 50) Is this the link to create a new item?    -   Block 51 asks if the user selected the ‘create other’ menu item.        If not, enter recursive processing [Block 34].-   (52) (Yes to block 51) Set expandable indicator—    -   The expandable indicator [based on Control id assigned] tells        the processor how to display the input form. It determines if        some data is pre-filled with information from the database or        whether or not the seller is allowed to supply new information        that will be added to the database. This is the mechanism that        the database gains intelligence from user interaction. Goes to        Block 53.        Ad Input Leg of Flow in FIG. 3:-   (53) Display Input form—    -   Block 53 presents the seller with the Ad input form that is        dynamically determined by the Control ids assigned to the        previous 2 menu selections.-   (54) Seller fills out form and submits it—    -   In block 54 the seller fills out the Ad input form presented and        submits the form.-   (55) Was expandable indicator set?    -   Block 55 asks if the seller selected the hyperlink [′create        other′] to create a new menu item [due to previous menu        selection]. If not, go to Block 57.-   (56) (Yes for block 55) Create new node for the category—    -   Block 56 adds database records based on the information provided        by the seller for the new menu item. The new menu item is        flagged for Administrative approval. Go to Block 57.-   (57) Display Confirmation    -   Block 57 asks the seller to confirm data entered in the Ad input        form.-   (58) Did Seller confirm Ad?    -   Asking if the seller confirmed Ad. If not, re-display input form        [Block 53].-   (59) (Yes to block 58) Does the seller want to pay now?    -   Block 59 asks the seller if completed entering Ads.-   (60) (Yes to block 59) Charge Seller for the Ad(s)—    -   In block 60 the Ads are stored in the database.-   (61) Read the Buyers Instant Notification database    -   Interrogate the database and create a record set of any buyers        that need to be instantly notified of the addition of this Ad.-   (62) Any buyers looking for this item?    -   Block 62 asks if any buyers need to be notified about this Ad.        If not returns to the recursive process starting at the main        menu [Block 34]-   (63)    -   (Yes to block 62) Send instant notification to the buyers        specified notification device.    -   Block 63 sends an electronic notification to the buyer. The        buyer is notified through the buyer's electronic contact device        (e-mail, cell-phone, pager etc.) indicated in the database.        Return to the recursive process starting at the main menu [Block        34](No to block 59) Add to sellers purchase cart—    -   In block 64 go to the database and store the Ad in the database        as a ‘purchase cart Ad’ for the seller. Return to the recursive        process starting at the main menu [Block 34].

III Client Administration

Client tables house information associated with users who wish to sellgoods, and buyers whom are looking to be notified when ads for specificgoods are placed. Users have the option, while editing their accountinformation, to specify what information can be displayed to the rest ofthe site users. By default, all information and contacts are processedthrough the contact software located on the server system, and at notime is email information shown. If a user wishes for personalinformation such as phone, address or fax to be shown to the generalpublic, the user places the information in the ad at the time ofsubmission. New contact devices can be added to the accounts by websitepersonnel. There is no limit to the number of available contact methodsstored for a user. The user has the option to choose the notificationdevice or devices used to contact them.

The advantage of the client administration is the users ability to viewand edit all ads, personal information, and instant notifications. Inessence the user is able to view, edit and sort all informationconcerning their personal interaction with the web site. The programenters default data regarding the user, if and when the user has alreadyprovided the information to the client database.

All information concerning client information, and site interaction willbe stored via several tables linked by a unique client Id. The client idis used to get contact device information, personal information withinads, and personal information within the instant notification database.

IV Instant Notification

FIGS. 14 and 15 show menu page embodiments of using the instantnotification feature of the invention. If a user clicks on the instantnotification button at the ad view level or lowest “click down” level inFIG. 12, a form (FIGS. 14 and 15) comes up filled in automatically withwhat the user is wanting depending on which subcategory and subsequenttype, subtype(s), and (make and model) if applicable therefore, theplacement of the button to click on instant notification eliminateshuman error since the information is automatically filled in the instantnotification (wanted) form. Instant Notification is a (wanted) requestform with criteria that has not been found in the database or has notbeen placed by a user as of yet.

Up to this point, the user has not been required to use keyboard entry.They now have the option, if their account gives them access to theprocess, to add a request to be instantly notified. They still do nothave to type anything to receive an instant notification. If they leavethe form alone they receive all ads placed to the category of theirchoice. If they wish, they can limit the amount of notifications bychoosing for example 3 zip codes, 3 phone area codes, mileage, maximumprice willing to pay, country, province.

If a user does not have the appropriate access to this section they willbe required to provide information for the setup of an account. SeeFIGS. 14 and 15. After the user enters the information required toidentify how the user is to be notified, the user has the option toinput up to for example three states, one country, one province, yearrange and maximum price willing to pay, mileage, hours and colorpreference. The user must then type in their area Code, e-mail addressand pager criteria, if applicable, and choose their country code. Forthe users of cell phones, pager and e mail addresses, the programautomatically sends the specific data to the user in the format the userspecified in the advanced notification form immediately upon adplacement and only display the exact results of the users requests forthat specific criteria the user chooses.

The user has the option in a specific box to personalize the InstantNotification criteria in their own alphanumeric terms that alert theusers of Cell Phones, E-mail, Personal Digital Assistant (P.D.A.)devices, or pager of choice allowing certain devices that can not acceptlong strings of text over 25 characters.

Once the client has placed an instant notification they have the optionto view and edit all of their instant notification requests from withinthe client console. After they have been notified of all ads placedmeeting their criteria, a flag can be displayed next to all theirinstant notification requests containing ads that they have not yetviewed.

V Customized Ad Presentation

The user of the invention system can also customize their own view ofthe resulting data list through a sorted search. The user can focus onspecific items of interest by sorting on a variety of factors in thedataset. If the user clicks on the sort ad button located on the buyersside ad view level or lowest “click down” level, a form can come up(similar to those of FIGS. 13 and 25 which are described in more detaillater) with the results of the lowest level of “click down” criteriaautomatically filled in the filtered search request form, therebyeliminating human error. The user has the option to type in or utilizeclick down boxes with options of up to three area codes, up to three zipcodes, up to three states, one country, or one province. The user candisplay the most recent ads first or last, or sort by maximum pricewilling to pay, mileage or hours or color preferences. Any combinationor all of the sorted search criteria can be filled in by the user andthe program displays the results of the users requests for that specificcriteria at the end of the “Fluidity of Taxonomy” drill down the userchooses. At the lowest level of “click down” the user has eliminated allirrelevant choices at the ad display level. The final ad results can bedisplayed, up to 100 at a time, by the criteria the user has picked atthe lowest level of click down eliminating human error.

VI Banner Ad Placement

Target banner placement can also be done because of the nodes tablestructure previously described. This allows a client to purchase adspace from any node all the way down the node structure to the addisplay level. Example 1: A Caterpillar dealer wishes to secure allbanner ads pertaining to Caterpillar tractors and all nodes beyond. Whena user clicks on the Agricultural category, on makes, Tractors and thenCaterpillar, all pages displayed thereafter in the node tree willcontain their banner advertisement. Example 2: If the Caterpillar dealeronly wishes to place an ad on one page then they have the option to doso.

As a basis for selling prices all nodes have counters to track theavailability of impressions on each given node. If a client asks for anode tree price all node counters in the requested tree may be addedtogether to calculate the appropriate pricing. If a client requests aspecific placement, the information for that node is readily available.

VII Detailed Description of the Embodiments

FIG. 4 shows a basic taxonomy structure of accessing classificationinformation using menu pages of category, subcategory, types, subtype,makes, and model. The user can find a specific product, part, or serviceby using their mouse to click on selections in a series of menus thatlist everything organized by category, subcategory, type, subtype, makeand model. This organization of primarily relying on menu pages allowsthe user to reach the list of desired information (such as the finalads) as efficiently as possible, without having to enter any userdependent search queries. Once a user has gotten to the end menus ofmakes and models for example, the site lists all relevant ads,displaying the year, make, model and price for every ad. To view thedescription of the ad the user clicks on a details heading next to thead. No typing is necessary to view any of the ads, and the sequence ofmenus limits the list to the specific type the user is looking for.

The user who wants to submit an ad is led through the same series ofmenus so that their ad is classified according to the existing menustructure. If the advertiser would like to list their ad under a type orsubtype classification that isn't present in the existing menus, theycan contact the website via email, telephone, and the like, to have thattype or subtype classification added to the menus. If the make or modelisn't present in the menus, the user can add them interactively duringthe ad submission process. Thus, makes and models are data driven andbecome more comprehensive through user interaction. Types and subtypescan be controlled and updated by the website personnel to preventunstructured and unmanageable growth of the menu's hierarchy.

The website invention avoids graphics that are common to most Internetsites, and which are also time-consuming to download. As the followingfigures of menu pages show, the only graphics are the company logo thatonly needs to be downloaded once, when the web site is accessed.Appealing banner ads targeted to the specific location in the taxonomy,pertaining to the specific product, goods or services the customer isseeking, are intended to be the only clutter on the screen as the userprogresses in using the system.

FIG. 5 shows a Buyer main menu page for the subject invention that, onthe left side, lists main categories such as but not limited toAgricultural, Aircraft, Antiques, Automobiles, Boats, Heavy Equipment,Heavy Trucks, Industrial, Medical, Pickup Trucks, Recreational Vehicles,and Sport Utility Vehicles and Vans. Here the buyer has chosen theAutomobiles category which is clicked on.

Hyperlinks located on the upper section of the page can be clicked ontofor submitting an ad. The “Submit an Ad” will take the Buyer to a loginpage that request previously submitted information such as a passwordand username. After filling in the password and username, the systemwill automatically revert back to the same webpage that the Buyer waspreviously on, but now the mode of accessing the classificationinformation is as a Seller, which in this example, is FIG. 6 and inFIGS. 25-29 described below.

FIG. 6 shows a Seller main menu page embodiment of the invention withmain category headings, and will be described further in reference toFIGS. 26-30. Note that Seller web pages can have a Seller being listedin the backdrop of those pages in order to be able to tell the userwhich mode they are in.

FIG. 7 shows a second menu page for a Buyer having subcategory headingsof the embodiment of FIG. 5. After a user clicks on one of the maincategory headings (in this example: Automobiles), this second page listssubcategories of Makes, Items, or Services, each of which can then beclicked on.

FIG. 8 shows a third menu page having type headings based on FIG. 5. (inthis example, Makes). This third page lists different types ofAutomobiles. For example, American Cars, Antique Cars American, AntiqueCars British, Antique Cars European, Antique Cars Foreign, Asian Cars,British Cars, European Cars, Exotic Cars, Hot Rods, Kit Cars, LimousinesAmerican, Limousines European, and Muscle Cars 1962-70. Clearly, sellerscan place their goods in one or more appropriate places. On this page, adarkened type font is used to indicate there are goods under this type.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on FIG. 5.(in this example, European Cars). The system automatically puts theprevious heading picked on the page. This fourth page lists the subtypesof 2-door, 4-door, Convertible, Diesel, and Station Wagon.

FIG. 10 shows a fifth menu page having make headings based FIG. 5. (inthis example, Diesel). The system modifies the header to readAutomobiles:European Cars:Diesel. This fifth menu page lists makes ofAudi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagon, and Volvo.

FIG. 11 shows a sixth menu page having model headings based on FIG. 5.subcategory headings in FIG. 1 (in this example, Mercedes). The systemmodifies the header to read Automobiles:European Cars:Diesel:Mercedes.This sixth menu page further lists the models of 190D, 190D Turbo,300CD, 300D, 300SD, 300SDL, 300TD and 350D.

FIG. 12 shows a seventh page of the final ad list based on FIG. 5.Finally, the user can click on the desired type of mercedes and receivead information or further modify the display, to sort and/or filter bygeographical location, price, year, and the like.

FIG. 13 shows an eighth page of how the user can sort the ad list ofFIG. 12.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show menu page embodiments of using the instantnotification feature of the invention, previously described under Vabove, which can be opened by the button identified as InstantNotification shown on FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 shows an ad form page that a seller completes after passingthrough a similar series of pages as those shown by FIGS. 6 through 11.The location of goods information (Area Code, Zip Code, City, State,Country) is pre filled in from the sellers registration data. In FIG. 16the seller has already reached the page having the headerAutomobiles:European Cars:Diesel:Mercedes:300D. The seller startsfilling in fields such as but not limited to year, price, mileage,hours, serial number, color, description and can include the option toupload a photo from the seller's computer hard drive.

FIG. 17 shows a Buyer main menu page embodiment of the invention withmain category headings as compared to FIG. 5 where the buyer picked theAutomobiles category. In FIG. 17, the Buyer has chosen the Agriculturecategory.

FIG. 18 shows a second menu page having subcategory headings of theembodiment of FIG. 17 which lists the subcategory headers of Makes,Items, and Services. Here the buyer chooses Services.

FIG. 19 shows a third menu page having type headings based on FIG. 17,and lists different types of Agricultural services for example fromAuctions, Breeding through Trucking, Interstate, needed.

FIG. 20 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on FIG.17 after choosing Trucking interstate, needed. This fourth page listssubtypes for example from Low Boy through Semi, refrigerated andStraight Truck, Livestock.

FIG. 21 shows a fifth menu page having from(origination) headings basedon FIG. 17. FIG. 21 lists all states in the United States as originatinglocations and can include other locations such as but not limited totowns, cities, countries, and the like. Here, the invention is shown asbeing flexible to process diverse goods and services in one onlineclassification system.

FIG. 22 shows a sixth menu page having to (destination) headings basedon FIG. 17. FIG. 22 lists all states in the United States as destinationlocations and can include other locations such as but not limited totowns, cities, countries, and the like.

FIG. 23 shows a seventh page of the final ad list based on FIG. 17. FIG.23 shows a service that is needed as compared to goods that werepreviously illustrated. Here, the buyer is viewing an ad that a sellerpreviously posted requesting the service of Need Trucking to Orlando . .. . Similar to ads for goods, the service ads can also be sorted. Also,an instant notification button, similar to the ones for goods (FIG. 5and see description in reference to FIGS. 14-15), can be used on thispage.

FIG. 24 shows a detailed description of one of the ads of FIG. 23. FIG.25 shows an eighth page of how user can sort the ad list of FIG. 24,similar to that shown for FIG. 13.

FIG. 26 shows a second menu page having first subcategory headings ofthe embodiment of FIG. 6 for picking the boats category. FIG. 27 shows athird menu page having type headings based on selecting Makes in FIG.26. FIG. 28 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based onselecting Powerboats, 43-53 feet in FIG. 27. FIG. 29 shows a fifth menupage having make headings based on selecting Motor Yacht in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 shows a sixth page based on selecting CREATE OTHER in FIG. 29for having a Seller submit an Ad that does not have a make heading inFIG. 29. The Seller user has the ability to create another make andmodel for the goods they wish to sell (also can be done for services).On the sixth page accessed in FIG. 29, the Seller can includeinformation such as but not limited to Make, Model, Year, Price,Mileage, Hours(in-use), Serial No., Color, and a photograph that can beuploaded from the Seller's computer hard drive.

Although not described in detail, the user accessing the Items on thesubcategory webpages. For example, in FIG. 7, clicking on Items willeventually pull up any parts and pieces on automobiles such as but notlimited to engines, engine parts (crankshafts, blocks, heads, camshafts,and the like). Also Items under Automobiles would pull upairconditioning parts, engines, engine parts (crankshafts, blocks,heads, camshafts, and the like, and including help wanted (mechanics,salesmen, and the like), real estate (carlots for sale and lease, paintand body shops for sale and lease, transmission shops for sale andlease, and the like). Items is the catch all subcategory formiscellaneous subcategories that do not come under Makes and Services.Thus, Buyers and Sellers can access goods and services for all types ofMakes, Items, and Services.

Although the embodiments describe the invention being used for goods andservices, the invention can be used for any information having anorderly classification of objects and the like.

For example, main categories can include areas of study such as Biology,Chemistry, Engineering, Law and Medicine, and the like. If Engineeringis chosen, the subcategory headings could include educationalinstitutions such as 2-Year, Community College, Trade School,Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post Graduate (PHD). If UndergraduateSchool subcategory is chosen, the types headings could include types ofengineering such as Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Electrical,Industrial, Mechanical, and the like. If Electrical Engineering ispicked, the subtype headings could include an alphabetical listing ofthe geographical regions of the Undergraduate Schools for ElectricalEngineering such as but not limited to Asia, Europe, through NortheastUnited States, Southeast United States, and the like. Next, the userchoosing a geographical region could get a list of educationalinstitutions in those locations, which can be further sorted. Furthersubtypes can include courses of study, curriculum requirements, and thelike. Instant Notification can occur when a scholarship is offered basedon a student's requested aid need. Student acceptance, coming off awaiting list for acceptance can also come under Instant Notification aspreviously described.

Other orderly classification information of objects that can use theinvention can include cataloging of goods from a single onlinedepartment store. Main category headings can include Apparel,Appliances, Electronics, Furniture, Gardening, Hardware, and the like.Subcategory headings under Furniture can include Bathroom, Bedroom,Dining Room, Livingroom, Kitchen, and the like. Picking Bedroom, wouldgive a listing of different of types which can include Colonial,Contemporary, French Provincial, Victorian, and the like. PickingContemporary would give a subtype list of furniture for the ContemporaryBedroom such as but not limited to Armoire, Bed, Dresser, Mirror,Nightstand, and the like. Picking on Dresser, would give a subtype listof two drawer, four drawer, and the like. Picking on two drawer wouldgive a further subtype list of color which could include for example,Black, Cherry, Maple, Oak, White, and the like. Final lists can includephotograph picture, price, dimensions, availability. Instantnotification can include when order comes in, when item comes in stock,and the like.

Further classification information that can use the invention caninclude scientific applications such as Zoology, Plants, Genetic Mappingand the like.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shownin various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it haspresumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be,nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such othermodifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings hereinare particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth andscope of the claims here appended.

We claim:
 1. A method of generating instant notification from a webbased system, to a portable wireless device that supports accessing andviewing the web based system chosen to receive the notification,comprising the steps of: providing an online web based system for buyersand sellers to purchase and sell any one of products, items andservices; requesting at least one of an unlisted product, unlisted itemand unlisted service from the online web based system; matching the atleast one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlistedservice when the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted itemand the unlisted service is listed with the online web based system; andnotifying by generating an instant notification from the online webbased system to a portable wireless device, when the at least one of theunlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, has beenmatched with the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item andthe unlisted service on the online web based system.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requestingthe at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlistedservice, from a buyer.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the requestingstep includes the step of: requesting the at least one of the unlistedproduct, unlisted item and the unlisted service, from a seller.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of:requesting the unlisted product from the online web based system.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of:requesting the unlisted item from the online web based system.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of:requesting the unlisted service from the online web based system.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of:requesting the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted itemand the unlisted service, with the wireless portable device.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the step of: providing thewireless portable device is selected from at least one of a laptopcomputer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and apager.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of:providing the wireless portable device is selected from at least one ofa laptop computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cellphone, and a pager.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the notifying thestep includes the step of: generating the instant notification to theportable wireless device through at least one of an e-mail, a textmessage a voice message, an image message and a page.
 11. A method ofinstantly notifying buyers when unlisted products, items and servicesbecome available from online web based systems, comprising the steps of:requesting at least one of an unlisted product, an unlisted item and anunlisted service, from an online web based system; matching the at leastone of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service,when the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and theunlisted service has been placed by a seller on the web based systeminstantly notifying a buyer through a portable wireless device when theat least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlistedservice, has been matched with the seller placing the at least one ofthe unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service on theweb based system; and allowing the buyer to purchase the at least one ofthe unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, whenthe buyer has been instantly notified.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting theunlisted product from the online web based system.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requestingthe unlisted item from the online web based system.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requestingthe unlisted service from the online web based system.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requestingthe at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and theunlisted service, with the wireless portable device.
 16. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requestingthe at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and theunlisted service, with the wireless portable device.
 17. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising the step of: providing the wirelessportable device is selected from at least one of a laptop computer, aPDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and a pager. 18.The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of: providing thewireless portable device is selected from at least one of a laptopcomputer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and apager.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the notifying the stepincludes the step of: generating the instant notification to theportable wireless device through at least one of an e-mail, a textmessage a voice message, an image message and a page.